TEMPO.CO, Palangkaraya - Palangkaraya Vice Mayor Moffit Saptono Subagio said total solar eclipse that is predicted to come across several cities in Central Kalimantan, including Palangkaraya, will be utilized to introduce tourist attractions to local and foreign tourists.

Moffit said Friday, February 5 he has instructed Tourism and Creative Economy Agency chief to take an inventory of all hotels and homestays.

“We estimate that several hotels will be fully booked two days before the eclipse. Next week, we will coordinate with the Association of Hotel and Restaurant Owners to tell their members that they are expected to provide facilities equal to star hotels,” he said.

The government will also work with individuals to prepare motels. “Several motel owners have offered their motels to be used. So, we can offer motels for tourists that haven’t booked a hotel,” Moffit added.

Besides the solar eclipse, Palangkaraya has other attractions that can be enjoyed, such as Kahayan river, Bukit Batu, and Orangutan conservation at Nyaru Menteng.

The vice mayor added that there will be special education for Palangkaraya citizens on how to look at the solar eclipse without damaging their health, particularly eyes.

Solar eclipse that will occur on March 9 is predicted to come across several cities in Central Kalimantan, such as Palangkaraya, West Kotawaringin, Seruyan, East Kotawaringin, Katingan, Kapuas, South Barito, East Barito, and Pisau Island.

KARANA WW